Sustainability Governance

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LIST OF GRIEVANCES AND COMPLAINTS

Last Updated : July 2024

Received Period : May 2018
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Austindo Jaya NusantaraCargillAlleged deforestationClosed
May 2018PHG was informed by Cargill that ANJ through its subsidiary PT Permata Putera Mandiri and PT Permata Mununggal Perkasa conducted deforestation
Jun 2018PHG reach out to ANJ to discuss the issue and ANJ's action plan. PHG put a hold on sourcing from ANJ
May 2019PHG conducted a meeting with ANJ to discuss ANJ's action plan
Oct 2019ANJ released their Sustainability Policy
Feb 2020ANJ released their HCS area loss declaration and recovery plan
Oct 2020ANJ released their HCS area loss declaration and recovery plan first progress report
Oct 2020PHG conducted a meeting with ANJ to discuss ANJ's progress
Received Period : March 2019
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Asam JawaCargillAlleged development on peat areaClosed
Mar 2019PHG was informed by Cargill that Asam Jawa through its subsidiary PT. Sumur Pandanwangi developed peat area
Mar 2019PHG put a hold on sourcing from Asam Jawa and is monitoring further development
Received Period : April 2020
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Permata Hijau SawitPermata Hijau GroupLabor benefits/facilityClosed
06 Apr 2020PHG received information from RSPO that a complaint has been lodged against PT. Permata Hijau Sawit by Federasi Serikat Pekerja Metal Indonesia (FSPMI) on behalf of anonymous PHS workers
09 Apr 2020PHG launched an internal investigation to verify the veracity of the allegation
27 Apr 2020PHG, RSPO and FSPMI agreed to activate the bilateral engagement process
08 Jun 2020PHS and FSPMI conducted first bilateral meeting
24 Jun 2020PHS and FSPMI conducted second bilateral meeting and sign bilateral settlement agreement
11 Aug 2020RSPO officially closed the complaint against PT. PHS and the complaint is now in monitoring phase
26 Aug 2020Both parties reached a settlement, complaint is closed and transferred to Investigation and Monitoring Unit (IMU) for Monitoring
07 Mar 2023RSPO found Permata Group to be compliant in enforcing the action plan and the post complaints monitoring is formally closed
Click Here for the post complaint monitoring
Received Period : June 2020
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Kallista AlamRainforest Action NetworkAlleged deforestation and burning on peat areaNon-Compliant
9 Jun 2020PHG received information through RAN's report titled “Will Nestle and Mars intervene to protect Indonesia's peatland?” that PT. Kallista Alam which is accused of deforestation remains in PHG's supply chain unacknowledged
10 Jun 2020PHG started an internal investigation and put immediate halt to all purchases from PT. Kallista Alam
12 Jun 2020RAN lodged a formal grievance against PHG for continuing to buy from PT. Kallista Alam and failing to report it in PHG's mill list
16 Jun 2020PHG published an official statement on this matter to reaffirm its committment to its NDPE policy and laid out an action plan to rectify the mistake
PHG suspended PT. Kallista Alam effective immediately from PHG's supply chain
Surya Panen SuburRainforest Action NetworkAlleged deforestation and burning on peat areaClosed
09 Jun 2020PHG received information through RAN's report titled “Will Nestle and Mars intervene to protect Indonesia's peatland?”
10 Jun 2020PHG started an internal investigation in response to the report
22 Jun 2020PHG internal investigation found that SPS which was extensively reported by RAN as problematic supplier was in PHG supply chain. PHG suspended all purchases from SPS
01 Jul 2020RAN released a new report titled " Permata Hijau exposed again for sourcing conflict palm oil" and lodged a formal grievance against PHG for buying from PT. SPS and failing to report it in PHG's mill list
02 Jul 2020PHG published an official statement clarifying that SPS had been suspended once it was found to be in PHG supply chain during the earlier
Received Period : Agustus 2020
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Dua Perkasa LestariRainforest Action NetworkAlleged deforestation, community land grab and peat developmentNon-Compliant
24 Aug 2020PHG received information from RAN's report titled “Major Brands and Banks Complicit in the Production of Conflict Palm Oil on Stolen Community Lands in Indonesia” that our indirect supplier PT. Dua Perkasa Lestari is alleged to have conducted deforestation and community land grab
24 Aug 2020PHG do not have direct relationship with PT. Dua Perkasa Lestari and reached out to PT. Beurata Subur Persada as our direct supplier sourcing from DPL for clarification
26 Aug 2020As PHG is currently not sourcing from BSP, BSP declined to provide clarification. We will engage BSP on DPL issue when BSP reenter our supply chain
1 Nov 2020BSP reenter PHG supply chain and is facilitating our engagement with DPL
5 Apr 2022Through Kuala Lumpur Kepong, PHG received a report from Earthqualizer indicating PT. Dua Perkasa Lestari (DPL) was found to have allegedly develop 4 hectares of peatland in February 2022

PHG immediately seek clarification regarding the allegation with PT Beurata Subur Persada (BSP)
6 Apr 2022After engaging with PT. BSP, PT. BSP forwarded PT. DPL permits from Aceh government regarding the maximization of HGU land and the RKPPLP (Rencana Kerja Pembukaan dan/atau Pengolahan Lahan Perkebunan - Work Plan for Plantation Land Clearing and/or Processing) of the said land to be developed

PHG informed PT. BSP that even though PT. DPL has full legal right to open the land, since it is allegedly opened on peat, it infringed on PHG sustainability policy as well as PHG supplier code

PHG requested PT. DPL to clarify on the peat development allegation
20 Apr 2022PT. DPL suggested PHG to send a team to visit PT. DPL to discuss the allegation. PHG requested a zoom meeting instead

No agreement on the mode of communication reached. Further communication with PT. DPL was unsuccessful
22 Sept 2022After a long deliberation, PHG deemed PT DPL to be non compliant and therefore suspended from PHG's supply chain.
PHG requested PT. BSP to immediately stop sourcing from PT DPL, since it is not aligned with PHG’s Sustainability Policy

PT. BSP has complied with PHG's request and has stopped sourcing from PT. DPL effective immediately
Teupin LadaRainforest Action NetworkAlleged deforestationClosed
24 Aug 2020PHG received information from RAN's report titled “Fresh Evidence: Major Global Brands Refuse to Stop Sourcing Fire-Fueled Conflict Palm Oil, Despite Promises” that Teupin Lada is buying from PT. Indo Alam which is alleged to have conducted deforestation
24 Aug 2020PHG reached out to Teupin Lada for clarification
28 Aug 2020PHG received information from Teupin Lada that they have ceased sourcing from PT. Indo Alam on 25 August 2020.
PHG suspended PT. Indo Alam PHG's from its supply chain.
PHG also received commitment from PT. Teupin Lada that they will no longer source FFBs from PT. Indo Alam until PT. Indo Alam has resolved its deforestation issues
Teupin Lada also declared their readiness to furnish traceability to plantation information to PHG
Received Period : September 2020
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Syaukath SejahteraRainforest Action NetworkAlleged deforestationClosed
22 Sept 2020PHG received information from RAN's report titled “Royal Golden Eagle Group Links Global Brands and Financiers to Deforestation In the Leuser Ecosystem” that Syaukath Sejahtera is buying from PT. Tualang Raya
23 Sept 2020PHG reached out to Syaukath Sejahtera for clarification
24 Sept 2020PHG suspended PT. Tualang Raya from its supply chain.
PHG received information from Syaukath Sejahtera that they have ceased sourcing from PT. Tualang Raya on 23 September 2020.
PHG also received commitment from Syaukath Sejahtera that they will no longer source FFBs from PT. Tualang Raya until PT. Tualang Raya has resolved its deforestation issues
Received Period : January 2021
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Nubika JayaPermata Hijau GroupAlleged improper handling of wastewaterClosed
06 Jan 2021PHG received information from RSPO that a complaint has been lodged against PT. Nubika Jaya by LSM Barisan Rakyat Indonesia Satu
07 Jan 2021PHG launched an internal investigation to verify the veracity of the allegation
20 Jan 2021PHG submitted a formal response to RSPO answering the allegation levied against PT. Nubika Jaya
24 Feb 2021Both parties agreed to proceed with bilateral agreement. Deadline is 19 April 2021
23 Jun 2021Both parties did not reach an agreement. The Complaint desk has forwarded the Respondent's formal response to the Complainant
29 Sept 2021The Complainant had informed the Secretariat that mutual agreement had been reached with the respondent and are satisfied with the given evidence that the Respondent had obtained all of the necessary permits and license

As a result, the Complainant wishes to withdraw the complaint
26 Aug 2022The Complaints Panel's Decision letter has been furnished to both parties to the complaint. The complaint is formally closed

Click Here For the Decision Letter
Received Period : January 2022
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Dewa Rencana Perangin AnginPermata Hijau GroupSlave labor violationsNon-Compliant
28 Jan 2022PHG received news from the media that 48 men were locked up in barred cells and working for no pay on an oil palm plantation owned by Terbit Rencana Perangin Angin, the head of Langkat district and owner of PT. Dewa Rencana Perangin Angin.
28 Jan 2022PHG started an investigation and reached out to PT. Dewa Rencana Perangin Angin
31 Jan 2022PT. Dewa Rencana Perangin Angin is not reachable. PHG suspended and discontinued any purchases from Dewa Rencana Perangin Angin effective immediately.
Received Period : January 2022
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Mopoli RayaLouis DreyfusAlleged deforestationClosed
26 Jan 2022Louis Dreyfus Company provided PHG with information on an alleged deforestation involving PT Mopoli Raya via its subsidiary PT Gading Bhakti.
27 Jan 2022PHG engaged with PT Mopoli Raya and asked for clarification.
02 Feb 2022Mopoli Raya shared their concession map with PHG, stating that the land clearing is outside of the Gading Bhakti concession.
25 Feb 2022PHG require more clarification and continue to engage with Mopoli Raya
03 Feb 2022Mopoli Raya conducted another round of investigation and found that part of Gading Bhakti HGU has been encroached by the local villagers.
Mopoli Raya has engaged with the local villagers to stop their encroachment and will install a signpost indicating their HGU (cultivating rights) around its concession.
Received Period : May 2022
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Sawit Sukses SejatiMighty EarthAlleged deforestationClosed
18 May 2022PHG received information from Mighty Earth's Rapid Response Report No.39 that PT. Sawit Sukses Sejati (SSS) is alleged to have conducted deforestation
18 May 2022Since PT. SSS is not a direct PHG supplier but supplied to PHG through STA Resources, PHG has engaged with STA to help engage PT. SSS for clarification
19 May 2022STA Resources informed PHG that they have reached out to PT. SSS for clarification and will update PHG once more information is available
31 May 2022After having engaged with PT. SSS, STA Resources informed us that the concession of PT. SSS was previously known to have belonged to PT Anugerah Langkat Makmur. The change of name took place in December 2020

STA also noted that no HCV/HCS assessment has been conducted for the said concession

PHG suspended PT. SSS from its supply chain

STA Resources has ceased sourcing Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) from PT. SSS and will monitor PT.SSS for further updates
18 May 2023Permata Group received another report from Environmental Investigation Agency stating that PT. Rimba Mujur Mahkota - Sikarakara Mill (RMM) had been sourcing from PT Sawit Sukses Sejati plantation in 2022
18 May 2023Permata Group has engaged with PT Rimba Mujur Mahkota (RMM) to seek further clarification
19 May 2023PT. RMM confirmed that they have stop sourcing from PT. SSS as of 2023 and lastly sourced FFB from PT. SSS in October 2022
Received Period : May 2022
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Palmaris RayaKuala Lumpur KepongAlleged peat forest clearingClosed
9 May 2022PHG received information from Kuala Lumpur Kepong that Earthqualizer (EQ) reported that PT. Rendi Permata Raya (RPR) was allegedly found to have cleared 6 hectares of peat forest in March 2022

Based on EQ field investigation in Apr 2022, PT RPR was found to be selling Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) to PT. Palmaris Raya's palm oil mill

Since PT. RPR is not a direct PHG supplier, PHG has engaged with PT. Palmaris Raya for clarification
18 May 2022PT. Palmaris Raya informed PHG that they do not source FFB from PT. RPR but is unable to provide Traceability to Plantation (TTP) data

PHG has halted purchases from PT. Palmaris Raya while we engage with PT. Palmaris Raya to advance their traceability to plantation progress
Received Period : April 2022
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Alamsari LestariKuala Lumpur KepongAlleged peat forest clearing dan peat developmentClosed
5 Apr 2022PHG received information from Kuala Lumpur Kepong that Earthqualizer (EQ) reported that PT. Alamsari Lestari was allegedly found to have cleared 6 hectares of peat forest in January 2022 and developed a total of 45 hectares of peatland in the two months of Jan and Feb 2022

Based on EQ report, Mentari Group owned PT. Alamsari Lestari and one of Mentari Group's mills, which is PT. Risman Scham Palm Indonesia (RSI) lastly sourced palm oil to PHG in 2021
6 Apr 2022PHG engaged with Mentari Group and asked for clarification
15 Jun 2022Mentari Group confirmed that PT. Alamsari Lestari concession consists of peatland and it was a recent acquisition in 2019

Mentari Group stated that the land clearing carried out was in fact a recovery / replanting of unproductive planting areas where the land had previously been cleared, developed and planted by the old owner but was not managed properly, resulting in the growth of natural plants
15 Jun 2022PHG asked Mentari Group to provide evidence regarding the period of the initial opening or development was first carried out (before the recovery / replanting which is currently being carried out by the Mentari Group) in the area that became the problem

PHG has suspended any purchases from PT. Risman Scham Palm Indonesia until further progress has been made
23 Jul 2023According to "Rapid Response Report 42" released by Mighty Earth, PT. Alamsari Lestari's plantation was found to clear a total of 162 ha of peatland, starting from April 2022 until June 2023
23 Jul 2023Permata Group has neither sourced any FFB from PT. Alamsari Lestari nor continued any purchases of palm oil with its affiliated mill, PT Risman Scham Palm Indonesia, since the last engagement in the month of June 2022
Received Period : Agustus 2022
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Cemerlang AbadiRANAlleged deforestationNon-Compliant
11 Aug 2022PHG received information from RAN's report titled "Leuser Watch: New Rogue Palm Oil Producer Found Destroying Rainforests and Peatlands in the Leuser Ecosystem" indicating PT. Cemerlang Abadi has resumed clearance of forests and peatland areas since September 2021 until at least February 2022

The report stated PT. CA allegedly cleared 24 acres of secondary forests, as well as a further 740 acres of young regenerating forests

According to analysis by Earthworm Foundation, there is a possible connection between PT. CA and palm oil mill, PT. Raja Marga (RM), a direct supplier of PHG
12 Aug 2022Since PT. CA is not direct PHG supplier but supplied to PHG through PT. RM, PHG has engaged with PT. RM to seek clarification
28 Aug 2022PT. Raja Marga (RM) has communicated with PT. CA and clarified that the alleged land clearing was actually a rehabilitation/replanting of a previously established palm plantation

PT CA stated that the initial land clearing dan planting started in 1990 and ran through 1995. However due to the poor management, flood, fire, pest attacks and political unrest (GAM rebellion), many of the palms died and PT CA is unable to replant them again due to the political unrests and funding availability. It is only now that PT CA is able to rehabilitate and replant the land
28 Aug 2022PHG has conducted an internal review of the land history through satellite imagery provided by Google Earth engine and found that the land clearing indeed started in 1992 and by 1994 all of the land of interest has already been cleared and planted with palms

Since the land use change occurred in 1990-1995, PHG concluded the reestablishment of palm plantation in the area is not a new development of palm plantation

After a deliberate investigation, PHG also noted that PT CA is proposing for a HGU (cultivating rights) renewal for its concession of 4,847 ha. However, BPN's final decision to renew PT CA's HGU was reducted to only 2,002 ha.

Due to this discovery, PHG deemed PT CA to be lacking in legalities compliance and decided to suspend PT CA from PHG's supply chain
Received Period : September 2022
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Mr Mahmudin (independent smallholder)RANAllegedly planting palm fruits in protected areasNon-Compliant
20 Sep 2022RAN released a report titled "Carbon Bomb Scandals – Big Brands Driving Climate Disaster For Palm Oil" indicating that an illegal palm oil plantation controlled by Mr Mahmudin was found to be located inside the boundary of Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve (RSWR)

Through a collection point facility owned by Mr Mahmudin, the oil palm fruits were sold to CV. Buana Indah (broker) then to PT. Runding Putra Persada (RPP)
21 Sep 2022Since Mr Mahmudin does not supply directly to PHG, PHG has engaged with PT. RPP to help seek clarification in regards to the grievance
28 Sep 2022PT. RPP has helped facilitate PHG's communication with Mr Mahmudin and has conducted a field visit to Mr Mahmudin's plantation

They confirmed Mr Mahmudin already has a land certificate (Sertifikat Hak Milik) issued in 2017

The said land certificate consist of 6 blocks namely Blok A, B, C, D, E & F amounting to around 29 hectares, which are all located outside of RSWR boundaries
5 Oct 2022PHG conducted an internal investigation and review PT RPP’s verification documents which consist of Mr Mahmudin land certificates along with the coordinates boundary

After analyzing the said documents and by conducting a spatial analysis, we can confirm Mr Mahmudin's plantation is indeed outside of RSWR boundaries
11 Nov 2022Despite this, field verification confirmed that a portion of Mr Mahmudin's land had crossed inside the RWSR boundaries

Permata Group has halted any purchases from PT. RPP while monitoring for RPP's action plan

The action plan consists of :
a. engaging with Mr Mahmuddin to release the overlapped land with the RSWR to the goverment

b. a written commitment from PT.RPP, prohibiting the sourcing of FFB from protected areas, including Leuser Ecosystem and Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve

c. Ensure FFB sources is 100% Traceable to Plantation
13 Jul 2023Permata Group dan PT. RPP suspended Mr. Mahmuddin from its supply chain as a result of his rejection of the action plan

Prior to that, CV Buana Indah has also excluded Mr Mahmuddin from its supply chain, effective immediately on 23 June 2023
Received Period : September 2022
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Astra Agro Lestari TbkWALHI/FOEAlleged land grabbing and criminalizationIn Progress
Aug 2022According to grievances made by Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI) and Friends of the Earth (FoE), three subsidiaries of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AAL), namely PT Mamuang, PT Agro Nusa Abadi dan PT Lestari Tani Teladan in Central Sulawesi have been involved in a land dispute and criminalization of the local community

Following WALHI/FOE submiited grievances, Econusantara has released a verification report detailing their findings, in which field verification took place from 25 May 2022 - 12 June 2022. Below are the summary report of the findings:
1. PT Mamuang
- PT Mamuang and the local community are both claiming the same 50 ha of land
- Alleged criminalization of farmers
2. PT Agro Nusa Abadi
- Alleged land grabbing of aproximately 5,000 ha from farmers in 4 villages
- Operating without HGU
3. PT Lestari Tani Teladan
- Alleged land grabbing of approximately 100 ha of land from farmers
06 Dec 2022Permata Group engaged with AAL and asked for clarification regarding Econusantara's report.
08 Dec 2022AAL has responded to Permata Group regarding Econusantara's (ENS) report as follows:
1. PT Mamuang
- PT Mamuang obtained its Rights To Cultivate (Hak Guna Usaha or ""HGU"") land title certificate in 1997
- The land claim allegations against PT Mamuang were based on a document issued many years after issuance of PT Mamuang land title certificate
- The criminal case brought against Mr. Hemsi was purely a criminal case based on charges of theft of fruit in Block C26 and had nothing to do with PT Mamuang nor any of AAL's subsidiaries Click Here for the result of the court decision

2. PT Agro Nusa Abadi
- PT Agro Nusa Abadi (ANA) is in the process of obtaining its HGU certificate, in which one of the steps is to verify the potential overlapped land with the land owners
- Based on PT ANA's documentation, currently the remaining land under the compensation process is around 730 ha

3. PT Lestari Tani Teladan
- PT Lestari Tani Teladan (LTT) obtained its HGU in 1995
- The land grabbing allegation against PT LTT regarding 100 ha in the FoE report is contradicted by the ENS report, which states that PT LTT did not take community land
- In fact, the community asked PT LTT to enclave 60 ha of its HGU due to the threat of erosion posed by the Lariang river Click Here for AAL's Detailed Responses to the allegations
10 Jan 2023In light of the allegation, AAL has committed to take all grievances and reports seriously by formulating an action plan, starting by appointing an independent third party to review the allegations further

In addition, AAL have worked with Conflict Resolution Unit (CRU) to review and design their ""Respect for Human Rights"" Policy Click Here for AAL's Responses on their website
31 Mar 2023AAL has appointed Econusantara as the indenpendent third party to conduct in-depth investigation in regards to FoE allegations Click Here for AAL's Official Appointment of Econusantara
12 May 2023AAL published its first progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
26 May 2023AAL published its second progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
09 Jun 2023AAL published its third progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
23 Jun 2023AAL published its fourth progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
07 Jul 2023AAL published its fifth progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
21 July 2023AAL published its sixth progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
04 Aug 2023AAL published its seventh progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
18 Aug 2023AAL published its eight progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
01 Sept 2023AAL published its ninth progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
15 Sept 2023AAL published its tenth progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
29 Sept 2023AAL published its eleventh progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
13 Oct 2023AAL published its twelfth progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
27 Oct 2023AAL published its thirteenth progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
10 Nov 2023AAL published its fourteenth progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
24 Nov 2023AAL published its fourteenth progress update on the verification process Click Here for AAL's Response on their website
27 Nov 2023Econusantara released a verification report pertaining recommendations that can be taken by AAL for its subsidiaries as seen below:
1. PT Lestari Tani Teladan
a. Explore options to grant the community's request for the 14 hectares of land in residential areas and cemetery grounds, together with village officials and local government.
b. FoE/Walhi to provide further evidence as the HGU's referred do not match with PT LTT's HGU permits.
c. Due to differences in data issued by BLH and BBIHP, PT LTT/AAL is advised to be proactive in ensuring that these complaints are handled properly at the field level.

2. PT Mamuang
a. Hemsi's land claim in Block C26 has been clearly discussed in this report. It is
recommended that improvements in relations between PT Mamuang and Hemsi be
carried out using a peaceful approach, and programs to improve the welfare of the
surrounding community be intensified.
b. Establish a good relationship with KT-SRJ through more intensive program approaches.
c. Confiscation of the Tado Kabuyu Indigenous community, it is hoped that interested parties will be able to provide more detailed and precise data to confirm the object of the claim in question.
d. Continue and intensify programs that can improve the welfare of the Tado Kabuyu Indigenous People so that they get the same opportunities as other Indonesian people.

3. PT Agro Nusa Abadi
a. Involve key parties including the government, community and NGOs/assistant groups, to a resolution that can be accepted by all parties.
b. Regarding overlapping objects claimed by every group or individual whose land claims overlap needs to exercise restraint in order to avoid horizontal conflict and be able to find solutions together.
c. Recommended to immediately complete the processing of the Rights to Cultivate (HGU).

Click Here for the official ENS verification report
08 Dec 2023Response in the Accusation of Intimidation and Coercion by the Security of AAL To Local Communities in Rio Mukti, Sulawesi

Click Here for the Response
09 Feb 2024ENS was brought on board to help AAL create an Action Plan to implement the suggestions made by ENS's Independent Verification of Allegations. AAL will release the finalised Action Plan and provide stakeholders with a monthly progress update

Click Here for the Official Statement
04 Apr 2024AAL will soon be establishing an action plan to follow up the verification report published by ENS. During the past two months, Team of AAL and ENS have held several meetings to prepare and finalize the Action Plan. Currently, the action plan is in the review stage by the Robertsbridge team to ensure all recommendations made in ENS's independent are accomodated.

Click Here for the Official Statement
28 Apr 2024WALHI published another article regarding their action, along with representation of Central Sulawesi communities and FoE, protested outside Astra International and Mandarin Oriental, owned by Jardine Matheson. They accused PT Mamuang, PT Lestari Tani Teladan, PT Agro Nusa Abadi, and PT Sawit Jaya Abadi 2 of land grabbing and harming local communities

Click Here for detail of the article
02 May 2024AAL released a public statement stating that AAL and its subsidiaries, PT Mamuang, PT Lestari Tani Teladan, PT Agro Nusa Abadi, and PT Sawit Jaya Abadi 2, have never committed acts of criminalization, do not have the authority to do so, nor have they made any threats against the community. AAL upholds the laws applicable in Indonesia and believes that every process is carried out fairly. AAL also reiterates that the grievances against PT Mamuang, PT Lestari Tani Teladan, and PT Agro Nusa Abadi have been transparently verified by ENS.

Click Here for the Official Statement
21 Jun 2024AAL has published a Joint Statement with ENS regarding Action Plan as the followup on the 2023 third party verification.

The action plan has been reviewed and includes inputs from stakeholders. AAL and ENS continue to actively seek feedback from stakeholders.
Received Period : December 2022
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Nia Yulided Bersaudara (Recurring Deforestation)RANDeforestationNon-Compliant
08 Dec 2022RAN released a report titled "Notorious Rainforest Destroyer Caught Taking Palm Oil To Global Market" indicating that PT Nia Yulided Bersaudara (NYB) has yet again continued destroying rainforests throughout September 2022 amounting to 900 ha (2224 acres)

In the span of five years, PT NYB repeatedly committed deforestation with no regards and since 2016, the forest cover with the company's palm oil concession area has been reduced from 4873 ha to 2664 ha in October 2022

Through RAN's field investigation, palm oil fruits from PT NYB were sold to PT Bumi Sama Ganda (BSG) via RAM UD Makmur Jaya, a ramp collection point
12 Dec 2022Since PT NYB does not supply directly to PHG, PHG has engaged with PT. BSG to help seek clarification in regards to the grievance
Additionally, PHG has also suspended PT NYB from its supply chain
13 Dec 2022PT BSG clarified it only sources palm fruits from RAM UD Makmur Jaya, a sub agent from their main FFB supplier, TW and doesn't have any commercial relations with PT NYB

Moreover, PT BSG has previously signed a commitment of not buying from PT NYB
and claims that RAM UD Makmur Jaya no longer supply palm fruits to them as of 14 November 2022
20 Dec 2022Despite PT BSG's commitment of not sourcing from PT NYB, the fact remains that it still found its way to enter PT BSG's supply chain through an agent /FFB dealers

As a result, for preventive measures, PHG has communicated with PT BSG's representatives to further socialize a "No Buy List Plantation" from PHG to their FFB suppliers, especially to agent/FFB dealers
Received Period : December 2022
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Permata Sawit Mandiri (Recurring Deforestation)Chain Reaction ResearchDeforestationClosed
14 Dec 2022Analysis conducted by Chain Reaction Research shown a recurring deforester , PT Permata Sawit Mandiri (PSM) still continued clearing forest in Ketapang , West Kalimantan since 2018

In the first half of 2022, PT PSM cleared 1,300 ha and in total has cleared around 5,400 ha between 2018 to July 2022
14 Dec 2022PT PSM sold Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) to Bumitama Agri Ltd through Bukit Belaban Jaya mill in West Kalimantan

Although Bumitama Agri Ltd remains as PHG direct supplier, PHG does not source Crude Palm Oil or Palm Kernel from Bukit Belaban Jaya mill.

PHG has also suspended PT PSM from its supply chain
14 Dec 2022On November 24 2022, Bumitama Agri Ltd released a statement clarifying their commitment to NDPE Policy and confirm that PT PSM has indeed source FFB to Bukit Belaban Jaya mill

Due dilligence study from Bumitama Agri ensure that PT PSM had sufficient legality (ILOK, AMDAL, IUP and HGU), while also being an RSPO member

Despite PT PSM already signing an NDPE commitment to comply with Bumitama's sourcing policy, a further investigation uncovered that PT PSM is no longer an RSPO member and that its land development does not comply with RSPO NPP requirements

As a result, Bumitama has stopped sourcing FFB from PT PSM since August 2022 and will remain blacklisted from Bumitama's future supply chain
Received Period : April 2023
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Perkebunan Nusantara ICargillAlleged deforestationClosed
27 Apr 2023Permata Group received a report from Starling on potential deforestation located in Perkebunan Nusantara I (PTPN I) plasma estate, called Pirsus (Perkebunan Inti Rakyat Khusus) Krueng Bayeun

The land cleared is allegedly to be around 50 hectares starting from Q1 2016 to Q1 2022
27 Apr 2023Permata Group reached out to PTPN I requesting clarifications in regards to the allegation
17 May 2023PTPN I stated that the plasma estate "Pirsus Krueng Bayeun" is not part of its management anymore, as the partnership ended decades ago in 1989 and that they do not source any Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) from Krueng Bayeun since then

Based on the documentation provided by PTPN I, Permata Group conclude that PTPN I did not source any FFB from Pirsus Krueng Bayeun

This is further enforced with a written commitment of PTPN I, along with their third party suppliers, stating that they will not source any FFB within Pirsus Krueng Bayeun area
30 Jun 2023According to a Sveriges Natur's article titled ""llegal Palm Oil’s Route to Sweden"", it was found that there are still several mills that source illegal FFB from Tessa Nilo National Park, mainly in Desa Kesuma

The results of the investigation claim that there are 20 mills that source the illegal FFB, where the oil from these mills has entered the supply base of major consumer brands

Among the list, there are 4 mills that have entered Permata Group's supply chain, namely:
1. PT Persada Alam Jaya
2. PT Mitrasari Prima
3. PT Makmur Andalan Sawit
4. PT Peputra Supra Jaya
25 Jul 2023Permata Group reached out to all four mills mentioned and asked for clarifications regarding Sveriges Natur's investigation
26 Jul 20231. PT Persada Alam Jaya
PT Persada Alam Jaya (PAJ) confirmed to Permata Group that they do not source any FFB from Tessa Nilo areas, which is supported by Permata Group's analysis of PT PAJ's Traceability to Plantation data

PT PAJ also reaffirmed to us of their NDPE commitment by signing Permata’s Code of Conduct and has maintained a 100% Traceability to Plantation
31 Jul 20232. PT Mitrasari Prima
In regards to the allegation that an illegal FFB from Tessa Nilo has entered PT Mitrasari Prima (MP) mill via a collection point, PT MP has yet to identify which supplier is allegedly referred to by Sveriges Natur

Nevertheless, PT MP has confirmed in a written statement to Permata that they do not source any FFB from Tessa Nilo areas, which have been verified by Permata Group through the Traceability to Plantation data

PT MP also reaffirmed to us of their NDPE commitment by signing Permata’s Code of Conduct and has maintained a 100% Traceability to Plantation

In their MOU with their FFB suppliers, PT MP also has included a condition saying that all FFB suppliers must adhere to the NDPE Policy and that no FFB supplied to PT MP are produced from forests or other protected areas
03 Aug 20233. PT Makmur Andalan Sawit
PT Makmur Andalan Sawit (MAS) confirmed to Permata Group that they do not source any FFB from Tessa Nilo areas, which is supported by Permata Group's analysis of PT MAS's Traceability to Plantation data

In addition, PT MAS has maintained 100% Traceability to Plantation to its supply base and a written NDPE commitment, which forbids the sourcing of illegal FFB
03 Aug 20234. PT Peputra Supra Jaya
PT Peputra Supra Jaya (PSJ) confirmed to Permata Group that they do not source any FFB from Tessa Nilo areas, which is supported by Permata Group's analysis of PT PSJ's Traceability to Plantation data

PT PSJ also reaffirmed to us of their NDPE commitment by signing Permata’s Code of Conduct and has maintained a 100% Traceability to Plantation
Received Period : Mar 2024
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
Aceh Trumon Anugerah KitaRANAllegedly sourcing FFB from deforestation areaIn Progress
14 Mar 2024Permata Group received information from RAN's report titled "New Rogue Actor Documented Destroying the Leuser Ecosystem" stating that the establishment of new palm oil mills around the Singkil Area, namely PT. Aceh Trumon Anugerah Kita (ATAK), may become the new driver for the increased deforestation inside the Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve Area
14 Mar 2024Permata Group engaged with PT. ATAK and raised the alert of potential deforestation occuring nearby its mill

PT. ATAK took notice of RAN's report and agreed to attend a meeting with Permata Group on 18th March 2024 to discuss the issue
18 Mar 2024PT. ATAK clarified that it does not source any FFB from Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve Area

From Permata internal investigation and engagement with PT. ATAK, Permata found that PT. ATAK has:
1. Signed Permata's Code of Conduct when it first joined in 2021
2. Has its own Sustainability Policy containing NDPE commitments
3. Signed Permata's ""No Buy List Plantation"" that comprises of deforestation actors inside the Leuser Ecosystem area
4. Has included NDPE clauses in their contract with FFB suppliers
5. Has obtained ISPO certification
6. Is working on achieving 100% Traceability to Plantation
16 May 2024On 16 May 2024, PT. ATAK attended workshop held by Wilmar, GAR and Musimmas in Subulussalam about NDPE commitments, sustainability practices and importance of Aceh Landscape
27 May 2024On 13-17 May 2024, Permata Group conducted a field visit to evaluate PT. ATAK's Traceability System and provide NDPE training to PT ATAK's team and its FFB suppliers.

To help raise PT. ATAK's Traceability to Plantation (TTP) progress, Permata Group also assist in mapping out the farms of its suppliers

The results of the field visit can be seen below:
1. PT. ATAK and its FFB Suppliers fully supports traceability initiatives and NDPE commitments.
2. There is still a lack of traceability mechanism that explains the process of due dilligence in FFB procurement and no written agreements are in place that enforces the requirement of its FFB suppliers to provide traceability information.
3. There is a grievance handling procedure that explains the flow process of receiving and investigating grievances logged, however it still lacks in implementation.
4. The TTP level is relatively low but PT ATAK has appoint an internal team that will continuosly help in traceability efforts.
Given the results of the field visit, Permata has develop a timebound implementation plan for PT. ATAK as follows below:
1. Communicate regularly with Agent/Dealer to not source FFB from Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve and other protected areas.
2. Develop a traceability mechanism and includes the clear process of due dilligence during FFB procurement, and also the agreement to collect geolocation from its suppliers.
3. Organized a grievance handling team, socialize the grievance procedure with relevant stakeholders and facilitate the implementation by building a whistleblowing system or a telephone hotline.
4. Regularly increase its TTP level and achieve 100% TTP.
Received Period : June 2024
Company NameRequesterDescriptionStatus
PT Kalimantan Hamparan SawitMighty EarthAlleged deforestationIn Progress
08 Jun 2024Permata Group received information from Mighty Earth's Rapid Response Report No. 44 alleging deforestation by Kalimantan Hamparan Sawit (KHS).

Permata Group does not have a direct business relationship with KHS. However, the engagement was conducted through Sumber Tani Agung (STA), a direct buyer of KHS, and PT Abdi Budi Mulia (PT ABM), an affiliated company with KHS.
15 Jun 2024Based on our engagement with STA, they informed us that they have engaged with KHS and currently is still in the process of obtaining further information from them
20 Jun 2024Based on our engagement with PT ABM, they informed us that the land clearing was conducted to fulfill plasma obligations required by local communities. We are still actively seeking more information from PT ABM to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
27 Jun 2024STA further confirmed to us that:
a. PT KHS is a FFB supplier to one of their business units.
b. PT KHS informed them that there were indeed land clearing activities in PT KHS to meet Plasma obligations mandated by the Government and requested by the local communities.
c. PT KHS is currently working to fulfill its plasma obligations, and plans to continue land clearing until December 2025.
d. PT KHS have acquired their HCV assessment in 2020 and confirmed that land clearing is not located in HCV area.
31 Jul 2024In line with our commitment to No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) principles, we have advised PT ABM and STA to engage with PT KHS to order for halt all land development activities and to conduct a comprehensive HCV-HCS integrated assessment.

As a result of our engagement with PT ABM and STA, PT KHS has ceased all land clearing activities as of 22 July 2024. They also have agreed to conduct the HCV-HCS assessment in accordance with HCVRN standard before resuming any land clearing.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure compliance and to uphold our high sustainability standards.
Copyright © 2023 Permata Group
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